Diabetes Education

diabetes1.jpgDiabetes is an illness that commands attention. More than 18 million Americans, or six out of every 100, have the disease. The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes is projected to more than double by 2050. You could be one of those affected.

What’s more, your kids could be at risk. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the illness, was once thought of as an adult disease. But now it’s often found in children and teens. Experts say that’s because kids today, like adults, weigh more and exercise less than people did in the past.

People with diabetes who don’t properly manage their illness face a future that might include heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, amputations, pregnancy problems and an early death. Those who don’t know they have diabetes are particularly at risk. Some 5 million of us fit into that category.

The news about diabetes is not all bad. If you or your children don’t yet have the disease, you can take steps that may prevent it. Even if you do have diabetes, you can do a lot to control it and lower the risk for complications.

Diabetes Basics

Diabetes is a disease in which too much glucose, or sugar, builds up in the blood. You get glucose from the foods you eat.

Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose enter the cells of your body to give you energy. If you have diabetes, there’s a problem with insulin, so glucose stays in the blood. Over time, the excess glucose can hurt body organs.

There are several types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed early in life. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that make insulin. As a result, the body makes little or none of the hormone. People must take inhaled insulin or insulin by injection, or use an insulin pump.

About 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes have type 1.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases.

Often, type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance. Your body’s cells fail to use insulin properly, so the pancreas works harder to make more insulin. When you can no longer make enough insulin to control your blood sugar levels, diabetes develops.

Gestational diabetes is pregnancy-related. If you’re pregnant, you’ll be tested for gestational diabetes. Increased stress and demand for \insulin during pregnancy causes a rise in blood sugars, mostly in the last trimester.

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can, lead to large babies. These babies have higher-than-normal chances of breathing problems and an increased risk of becoming obese or having type 2 diabetes later in life.

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after a women gives birth. But once you’ve had gestational diabetes, your chances increase of having type 2 diabetes at a later date.

Risk Factors

You may be at increased risk for diabetes if:

  • You are older than 45.
  • You are overweight.
  • You have excess upper body weight.
  • You have a parent, brother or sister with the disease.
  • You are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Hispanic American.
  • You had diabetes when you were pregnant or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
  • Your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher or you have been told you have high blood pressure.
  • Your high-density lipoprotein (hdl) cholesterol is 35 or lower or your triglyceride level is 250 or higher.
  • You are inactive.

Group Instruction

Group Instruction is completed by attending group sessions facilitated by our diabetes educators and dietitians. These classes give you in-depth information on:

  • Regulating Blood Glucose
  • Monitoring your diabetes and interpreting results
  • Taking diabetes medication
  • Developing healthy eating habits
  • Managing stress and emotions
  • Exercising and physical activity
  • Preventing complications
  • Preventing heart disease
  • Coordinating diabetes care
  • Creating personal health habits
  • Setting goals and problem solving

How Do You Contact Diabetes Education?

For upcoming class dates, appointment times, and costs please contact us at 503-325-4321 extension 3546.

Location
Main Campus – North, East or West Entrance

Contact Information:
503-325-4321 x3546